Jewish communities everywhere are facing rising antisemitism and the need for deeper connection. Jewish Federation of San Diego is responding with purpose, focusing on education, leadership, and legacy to build a stronger future.
In 2025, Federation mobilized $19 million in total philanthropic impact, anchored by nearly $11 million raised through the nonprofit’s annual campaign. This historic milestone reflects the generosity of San Diego’s Jewish community and sets up the work ahead.
Leading Federation’s next chapter are Jeff Schindler, newly appointed Board Chair, and Debbie Deverett, Women’s Philanthropy Board Chair, who bring a renewed spirit of partnership and purpose to Jewish San Diego.
Legacy Meets Leadership
For Jeff Schindler, becoming Board Chair was the natural next step in his leadership journey. A San Diego native and son of Holocaust Survivors Rose and Max Schindler, his personal history has shaped his passion for education, remembrance, and community. “When we stand together as a community and as part of the global Jewish family, we can affect lasting change,” Schindler shared with GB Magazine.
That belief guided his leadership while serving as co-president of Temple Emanu-El, where he helped his congregation strengthen connections across Jewish San Diego. It also inspired his work restoring San Diego’s original 1972 Holocaust monument, a project he undertook to honor local survivors and his parents. The monument now resides permanently at Federation’s San Diego headquarters.
Today, Schindler’s vision includes supporting the Legacy of Light Goldberg Institute for Holocaust Education and its upcoming mobile museum, which will bring Holocaust education into local schools and neighborhoods. He will also assist in advancing The Finest Community Coalition, uniting synagogues, Jewish agencies, and community partners to confront antisemitism and enhance safety across San Diego.
“The work we do cannot be weighed or measured,” added Schindler. “It is profound, it is powerful, and it is critical.”
Leading Women’s Philanthropy
For Debbie Deverett, leadership is rooted in connection to community, family, and shared values. Her Federation journey began in 1997 as a Lion of Judah in Toronto and continued after her move to San Diego in 2009.
In 2018, she joined the first cohort of the Pauline Foster Women’s Leadership Institute and the Women’s Philanthropy Board, where her passion for inspiring generosity grew. Today, as Chair of Women’s Philanthropy, she also serves on Federation’s General and Executive Boards.
Under her leadership, the Women’s Philanthropy Board has created more volunteer opportunities that strengthen community connection. Through donor events and touchpoints, Deverett and her team help Jewish women see the impact of their giving. “Women are at the heart of giving,” shared Deverett. “Driven by equality, well-being, impact, and connection, they account for nearly half of all charitable contributions nationwide.”
Looking ahead, she is helping launch Kesher, a new engagement initiative designed to build stronger relationships among women in the Jewish community. “I am fortunate to be able to give to Federation, but I have received even more in return,” she added. “The friendships I have made have been one of the most meaningful outcomes of being part of a bigger community.”
Shaping a Stronger Future
For Schindler and Deverett, leadership reflects a deep faith in what the community can become. Together, they demonstrate that Jewish life flourishes when memory is preserved and generosity embraced. “Joy is an act of spiritual resistance,” teaches Rabbi Sharon Brous. Federation carries that spirit forward -creating opportunities to celebrate, give, and build resilience.
With strong leadership, Federation is ensuring that joy, remembrance, and belonging guide the generations to come.
Learn more and get involved at www.jewishinsandiego.org.
